Just when you thought it couldn't get worse than allegations of abuse and reverse allegations of statutory rape, things have taken a strange turn in the case between Ariel Winter and her mom, Chrystal Workman.

The 14-year-old 'Modern Family' star was recently removed from her mother's custody, and according to court documents from that hearing, Workman claims her daughter attacked and threatened her when approached about her 18-year-old boyfriend.

A lawyer for Ariel's sister Shanelle -- who was removed from their mom's custody 20 years ago -- told the judge that despite Chrystal's claims, "The child [Ariel] is, apparently, struck repeatedly, slapped, hit, pushed, not so as to leave marks.  Mother is smart enough not to do that."

Chrystal's counter-argument? "She is an actress so I'm sure she can cry at the drop of a hat."

Because everyone knows actresses can't feel real emotions. There's a factory where they make those in Hollywood.

She further claims that losing custody of her oldest daughter two decades ago shouldn't be held against her because Shanelle ran off with some wannabe gang members and they found her in a crack den.

Ah, the old "ran off with potential gangbangers to live in a crack den" excuse. If only we had a dime for every time we've heard that.

Sources also told TMZ that Workman was banned from the 'Modern Family' set for berating her daughter about her appearance and forcing her to keep a bizarre diet of egg whites and raw vegetables.

As a result, Workman was hated by the cast and crew and they went so far as to sneak Winter more substantial food when her mother wasn't looking.

Another hearing for the Mother of the Year candidate is scheduled for Nov. 20.

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